Blog
A practical LLM coding workflow and a reflection on teamwork
A summary of Harper's LLM codegen workflow and how structured rulebooks might solve the 'solo developer' problem he identifies.
How to use AI without damaging your thinking
Reflections on Ethan Mollick's article about using AI to enhance, not hinder, our thinking, with practical tips for learning and writing.
Europe's new summer energy challenge: the 'Hitzeflaute'
A look at how summer heatwaves and low wind create new challenges for Europe's power grid, and what we can do about it.
An overview of systems engineering core concepts
A practical summary of the foundational principles of systems engineering, synthesised from the first half of my Coursera course.
What makes strong engineers strong?
A summary of Sean Goedecke's article on the key traits of effective engineers, focusing on self-belief, pragmatism, speed, and technical ability.
From notebooks to production systems
A comprehensive overview of moving data science projects from exploration in notebooks to robust, production-ready systems using open-source tools.
From theory to practice: How organisations are adopting AI
A look at a Stack Overflow article showing real-world examples of AI implementation at companies like Cloudflare, GitHub, and Abnormal AI.
Reflecting on AI's real impact on engineering leadership
A look at the 2025 LeadDev report on AI in engineering, and why a clear roadmap is more important than ever for successful adoption.
A practical take on prioritisation
A summary of Jason Cohen's framework for identifying high-impact tasks and managing the consequences of intense focus.
Assessing new technology with Readiness Levels
A practical look at using Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Commercial Readiness Levels (CRLs) to assess new technologies and decide where to invest effort.
The value of the expert generalist
A reflection on a Thoughtworks article about why combining broad skills with deep expertise is crucial for modern technologists.
The last hurrah of human coding
A reflection on Alex MacCaw's concept of 'vibe coding' for senior engineers and how it aligns with the need for structured, architect-led AI collaboration.
Shape your work, influence strategy
A practical method for teams to shape their work, influence strategy, and bridge the gap between high-level vision and daily execution.
What a coffee shop can teach you about system design
A summary of a great article by Raul Junco that uses a coffee shop to explain complex system design principles in a simple way.
Are you the best Chief Data Officer?
A quick and fun game to test your skills as a Chief Data Officer, balancing data quality, reputation, and profit.
Using an LLM as a personal tutor for my systems engineering course
A detailed look at my workflow for using a custom-prompted LLM to create effective study materials for a university course.